Jefferson County taxpayers will soon receive a TABOR refund check in the mail, as required by the state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights Amendment (TABOR).

TABOR requires governments in Colorado to refund revenue collected above the TABOR limit for a given fiscal year or seek voter approval to retain the revenue. In 2021, Jefferson County received approximately $17.3 million in revenue above the TABOR revenue limit, as a result, the county is required to give that money back to the 213K property taxpayers in 2022. Learn more about TABOR.

Join the Jefferson County Commissioners on Thursday, Sept. 29 for a Telephone Town Hall on the county's budget and funding challenges. The county's Strategy, Innovation and Finance team will discuss TABOR refund checks, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects and the budget development process.

You are encouraged to participate by calling 855-695-3486. You can also pre-register to receive a call by texting JEFFCO to 833-TXT-LIVE (833-898-5483).

Celebrate National Public Lands Day on Sept. 24 by helping clean 22 miles of the Peaks to Plains Trail including Clear Creek Canyon Park and portions of the US Highway 6 canyon corridor. Afterwards, celebrate at the new Gateway Trailhead with food trucks, live music, and a raffle for prizes. Registration is required.

There is a lot on the ballot this November, from U.S. Senate and Governor, to state legislature and county races... not to mention many ballot initiatives. Don't miss your chance to participate! The Clerk and Recorder's office will mail ballots to all registered voters in less than five weeks, so now is the time to verify or update your voter registration. Visit VoteJeffco.com to make sure your information is current or to register for the first time. Learn about key dates and election security safeguards.

Staffing shortages are affecting local governments across the country, including right here in Jefferson County. Jeffco was one of two counties featured in a recent PBS NewsHour story about the issue. The county's turnover rate has increased significantly over the past few years – from 9% in 2020 to 20% in 2022. Jeffco's Road & Bridge Division is short 36 out of 190 positions.

On Aug. 30, Jefferson County Commissioners Andy Kerr, Lesley Dahlkemper and Tracy Kraft Tharp proclaimed September to be National Preparedness Month. Below are links to resources to help be prepared for emergencies:

Jefferson County reopened applications for volunteer boards and commissions. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Sept. 28.

Boards with vacancies include: Board of Health, Board of Review, Budget Advisory Committee, Equine and Agricultural Heritage Commission, Inclusion Diversity Equity Accessibility Task Force, Jefferson Center for Mental Health Board, Liquor Licensing Authority Board and Tri-County Workforce Development Board.

New booster doses, also known as omicron doses or boosters, have been updated to include spike protein components from the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants, which will help ensure better protection from COVID-19. All authorized COVID-19 vaccines are available at the JCPH walk-in clinic, Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.

Learn more about the omicron booster on the JCPH website or the CDPHE website.

Jefferson County Public Health is excited to announce the availability of a new kind of COVID-19 vaccine at our clinic in Lakewood (645 Parfet St.). The new vaccine, called Novavax, is a protein-based vaccine, like other routine immunizations such as pertussis, tetanus, shingles and hepatitis B. This is different from the other COVID-19 vaccines, which are viral vector or mRNA-based.

Learn more about the Novavax vaccine on CDPHE’s website.

In many parts of the country, glass may be used as a layer in landfills and some areas are cancelling or limiting glass recycling due to the fluctuating cost of glass. Most areas of Jefferson County are able to send glass to Momentum Recycling in Arvada, where they can blend the recycled glass with virgin material. This uses fewer new resources and enables them to run the furnaces at lower temperatures saving more energy and the associated carbon. Learn more on the Jefferson County Sustainability Commission website.

Tax Day is behind us, but many Coloradans are eligible to get more cashback this year. Colorado families can file a simplified tax return to get up to $3,600 per child through the Child Tax Credit and can still file state tax return to get an extra $750 cash back this fall through the Colorado Tax Rebate. Both must be completed before Oct. 17. Additionally, there will be Taxathon Days on Sept. 17 and Oct. 8 across the state to file in-person and for free with IRS-certified assistance and no appointment necessary.

The Collaborative Foster Care Program is hosting a Rockies fundraiser by offering tickets for just $21! These are discounted seats, and CFCP will benefit from every ticket purchased. The Sept. 23 game will be against the San Diego Padres and will be followed by a fireworks show. Purchase tickets today and support your local foster families.

Overdose affects the entire Jefferson County community. Many people in our community have lost or nearly lost someone to overdose, have experienced an overdose themselves or know someone who uses drugs. Alongside those immediately impacted, our entire community grieves with each loss of one of our residents. Find more information on overdoses and the efforts at JCPH, as well as actions individuals can take, to prevent and/or respond to an overdose.

Take a drive in Evergreen, Conifer or Pine and you’ll easily see how the majestic views, mountain lifestyle and nearby trails continue to attract many to our area. Driving along these narrow back roads also make the area’s fire risk quickly evident. Heavily forested areas and steep terrain combined with increasingly dry conditions all contribute to high-fire risk.

The Jefferson County Commissioners recently earmarked $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan dollars to protect homes from wildfires in Jeffco. We’ll leverage those funds with a new state grant totaling $2 million from the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program. Jefferson County is one of only a handful of counties to receive this funding. Read the full article.

Quick links to Commissioner Information:

As families in our community adjust to new routines of a new school year, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) knows this season can be stressful and complicated. JCPH is excited to announce the release of a new report, titled "Helping Jeffco Kids Thrive: A review of Healthy Kids Colorado Survey data and exploration of public health resources available for families". This report offers insight, research, tips and resources around some of the important health considerations for families and youth.

The next TRIAD Senior Safety meeting will be on Sept. 27 and Evergreen Fire Prevention will discuss safety in the home. Come and make sure you’ve got your home covered when it comes to safety. TRIAD meetings are held at 1:30 p.m. in the training room at the DA’s Office, 500 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden. Questions? Call 303-271-6970.

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) published a monkeypox data dashboard to provide the latest information about monkeypox in Colorado. CDPHE created this dashboard with extensive input from stakeholders, including community leaders, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and public health agencies to ensure data transparency while protecting privacy. Find information about resources for Monkeypox.

Jeffco Public Schools staff submitted a recommendation to the Board of Education on Aug. 25, outlining the district’s plan to consolidate 16 schools to provide a thriving experience for all students and educators in all schools.

Information about Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools, dates for community engagement and public hearings, and FAQs can be found on the Jeffco Schools website.

CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties will host its annual Night Out with CASA at 6 p.m., tomorrow, Sept. 16 at the The Rose in Golden. Join us for an evening celebrating the hope, strength and resilience of the children we advocate for. Get tickets to the event or learn about CASA.

Celebrate the largest national day of volunteer service dedicated to public lands and help keep Lakewood beautiful. The 2022 volunteer day will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 8 a.m.-noon at the Bear Creek Greenbelt. Volunteers will assist with projects like planting and habitat restoration. Lunch and a light breakfast will be provided.

Jeffco Human Services Foundation raised more than $32,000 for families participating in the Jeffco Prosperity Partners at the Partnership in Prosperity Award Ceremony. U.S. Congressman Ed Perlmutter and Colorado Senator Brittany Pettersen attended, as well as Jefferson County Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr and Tracy Kraft-Tharp. Thank you to our community partners and sponsors for making this event possible.

Foothills Park & Recreation District will host its Senior Adult Open House on Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Peak Community & Wellness Center. This half day event connects businesses and organizations that provide valuable resources, products and services to our patrons. Fitness testing and FREE lunch provided, thanks to our event sponsors. Registration is required for the free lunch. Those not joining us for lunch can stop by any time during event hours.

Celebrating Lakewood’s agricultural heritage with an entertaining mix of live performances, activities and tasty harvest treats, the annual Cider Days festival at Heritage Lakewood offers fun and excitement for the entire family. Advance tickets on sale now with new timed entry.

Jefferson Center will host its free Helping Kids Thrive Parent Conference, Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Creighton Middle School. The parenting classes provide hands-on practical tools, skills, and information to help children grow in positive ways. Free sandwiches and drinks are provided along with free supervised activities for children ages 3+ while parents are attending classes. Please note that the children’s program fills up fast, so make sure to sign up now.

After years of planning, the Meyers Pool replacement project is ready to move forward. The City of Arvada, Apex Park and Recreation District and Jeffco Public Schools announced OLC Architecture, Interiors and Aquatics as the architecture and interior design firm to lead the project. While the project completion is still a ways out, construction is anticipated to begin in 2023. Learn more and sign up for project updates.

The 2022-23 season for Lakewood Cultural Center Presents, debuts with award-winning pianist, Daniel Hsu on Thursday, Sept. 29. A cappella social phenomenon, Kings Return performs on Saturday, Oct. 15. View the full season schedule and purchase tickets. Season and individual tickets are available 303-987-7845, or the Lakewood Cultural Center Box Office at 480 S. Allison Pkwy and start at just $25.

Change the life of an animal in need when you adopt a pet from Foothills Animal Shelter. Meet our adorably adoptable animals by visiting our website or coming to the Shelter in person. We are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thank you, Good Human, for helping a pet in its most significant time of need!

Lakewood residents can drop-off reusable and recyclable products for free with proof of residency. Items will be accepted at Jeffco Stadium between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit Lakewood.org/CleanUp for a list of accepted items.

Join women from across Jefferson County at West Metro Chamber's 2022 Women’s Summit of the Rockies, exploring the theme of Individuality! Learn more about the event and purchase tickets here.